Nurse Anesthesia

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists is the professional association of the nation's nurse anesthetists. Founded in 1931, the AANA has issued educational and practice standards and guidelines, developed and implemented a certification and mandatory re-certification program, and developed a nationally recognized program for accreditation of nurse anesthesia educational programs. The AANA is actively involved in the development of federal and state health care policies, offers consultation, and other data sources regarding CRNA practice to both public and private entities. More detailed information on the practice of nurse anesthesia can be obtained by requesting the White Paper, available from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists:

222 South Prospect Ave
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068-4001
Phone: 847-692-7050 | Fax: 847-692-6968.

WHO ADMINISTERS ANESTHESIA?

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) participate in over 65% of all anesthetics administered in the United States each year and are the sole providers of anesthesia in 85% of rural hospitals. Connecticut CRNAs are authorized by law to perform all anesthesia-related procedures (including pre and post-surgical patient assessment, general and regional anesthesia, and post-surgical pain management) under the supervision of a physician or osteopath.

WHAT DOES CERTIFIED MEAN?

As a graduate of an accredited school of nurse anesthesia, the graduate must pass a national qualifying examination in order to become board certified as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Nurse anesthesia is the only anesthesia care specialty, which has traditionally advocated certification as a requirement of practice.

NURSE ANESTHETISTS IN CONNECTICUT

There are over 450 CRNAs providing anesthesia in nearly all health care facilities in Connecticut. These CRNAs have either been educated in Connecticut’s three accredited nurse anesthesia programs or graduated from an out of state program. They are providing to the citizens of Connecticut one-on-one care to their patients before, during, and after the operation or procedure by delivering quality services for surgical and obstetrical procedures combined with a personal concern for the health and welfare of the individual. Anesthesia outcome studies have demonstrated the quality of care provided by CRNAs to be superior.

WHAT ARE CANA'S GOALS AND OBJECTIVES?

CANA'S primary goals and objectives are to advance the art and science of nurse anesthesia, to represent and advocate the interests of CRNAs in Connecticut, and to promote continual high quality anesthesia care for all citizens of Connecticut.